Dual SIM on iPhone Xs Max

Only the models for China, Hong Kong and Macu will have the dual physical sim tray.

Xs and Max models for all other countries will have the 1 physical sim, and the secondary eSIM whether there are supported carriers in the country or not.

Learn about Dual SIM with your iPhone Xs or iPhone Xs Max - Apple Support

Read here from Apple directly: Using Dual SIM with two nano-SIM cards - Apple Support

In mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau, iPhone XS Max features Dual SIM with two nano-SIM cards. This gives you two phone numbers to make and receive calls and text messages.

Also, there seems to be a change in the other support document explaining that the XS will feature an eSim in Hong Kong and Macau, but the Xs Max will have the dual physical sim configuration in those places.

Using Dual SIM with an eSIM - Apple Support

eSIM on iPhone is not offered in mainland China. In Hong Kong and Macau, only iPhone XS features eSIM. Learn about using Dual SIM with two nano-SIM cards in mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau.

MumuJelly wrote:

I would like to setup T-mobile as my esim primary carrier, and actually put a Chinese SIM card for the phy sim slot. Will that work?

Yes, as long as the iPhone is unlocked, and as such is able to use sim cards from other carriers.

How to unlock your iPhone for use with a different carrier - Apple Support

MumuJelly wrote:

It’s important to me that my T-mobile number works also while in China. Any help would be appreciated.

That is up to T-Mobile. If they can activate the eSim on their own service plan, and have roaming options in China, it should work just fine. Contact T-Mobile for specific details.

salomon22 wrote:

Any idea whether the Xs Max A2104 model bought in HK should function normally in the UK networks?

The downside is phones sold for the China market have some features disabled as required by the government of the PRC. You will not be able to use these features anywhere.

The Chinese models phones have two physical sims because it is against the law in China to use eSims. That is why they are made that way. I've no idea how a Chinese phone would work outside of China, what it's capabilities are compared to the 1 nanoSim/1 eSim versions....

I have the same question, I got an XS Max and I travel a lot and I don't think e-sim would be available every where soon, Having a dual sim slot would be better, and I like to get the iPhone from US store. I guess China phones would definitely have some limitations. Hope apple could make dual sim slot available for all phones.

My problem is that when I am out of country I need to use two sim cards(Personal and business). I get unlock sim phones from Apple so I could use with any network, and countries that I travel to won't have e-sim(at least soon).

Again as mentioned by Lawrence, use the eSim with your home carrier, that can support it, and use the physical sim card for when you travel just like you have been doing. Just switch out the physical sim when you need to like normal.

I was reading few days ago on some forum that iPhone mode A2104 for HK market would be normal as every other but with two nano SIM, but same model bought in China will have some software limitations like FaceTime etc.. what it because of some regulations not allowed in PRC.

badabinghr wrote:

I was reading few days ago on some forum that iPhone mode A2104 for HK market would be normal as every other but with two nano SIM, but same model bought in China will have some software limitations like FaceTime etc.. what it because of some regulations not allowed in PRC.

Correct, as already mentioned, the Xs Max in China, Hong Kong and Macau wil have 2 physical sims. China does not yet allow eSIMs.

However, the regular Xs in Hong Kong and Macau will still feature a single physical sim and one eSIM.

The regular Xs in China will have 2 physical sims.

I Bought the XS Max in Hong Kong, and it works perfectly everywhere i travel
I have my Home Sim as Thailand, and other sims for Vodafone UK, Singtel Singapore, Smart Philippines, Telkomsel Indonesia and they all work perfectly . . .
Can set as "secondary" when in Thailand, and "Primary" when in relevant Countries 🙂

I would like to setup T-mobile as my esim primary carrier, and actually put a Chinese SIM card for the phy sim slot. Will that work? It’s important to me that my T-mobile number works also while in China. Any help would be appreciated.

In theory, if its unlocked, it should work with a sim card from any carrier, including a UK carrier.

I believe so for China version. But don't think the Hong Kong Version would have the same restrictions? Any idea?